A Simple Phone Call in English
Key Vocabulary
A small machine that you use to talk to people far away.
My phone is on the table.
To pick up the phone when it rings and start to talk.
I answer the phone and say my name.
Words that you leave for a person who is not there.
She left a short message with her name and number.
To say something again.
Can you repeat that, please?
Nice and kind in the way you speak.
A polite start is 'Hello, this is Ken.'
Article
A phone call is when you talk to someone by phone. Sometimes a call in English feels hard. You cannot see their face.
When you answer the phone, say hello. Then say your name. You can say, 'Hello, this is Ken.' This is a good, polite start.
Say each word well. Take your time. They cannot see you, so every word must be easy to hear.
It is okay if you do not know a word. You can ask them to repeat. Say, 'Sorry, can you say that again?' This is okay and polite.
Sometimes they do not answer. You can leave a message. Say your name, your number, and why you called.
Write down important things. Write the day, the time, or a number. This helps you after the call.
At the end, say thank you. Then say goodbye. A short, polite call is a good skill. You will feel better every time.
More Discussion Questions
- 4.Who do you call most in your daily life?
- 5.Is it harder to talk on the phone or face to face? Tell us why.
References
- British Council LearnEnglish, "Telephone English: basic phrases."
- Cambridge English, "Everyday English: on the phone."
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